How To Become A Manager That People Actually Want To Work For

Interested in boosting your pay grade? Then
become the type of manager others will do anything to work for.
Become a magnetic leader.

Contrary to popular belief, great leaders aren’t born that way.
Most are developed, coached and mentored. (Click here to Tweet this thought.) Here are
some best practices you can follow, no matter what your title:

1. Put your employees first

When in doubt, put the interest of your employees before your own
self-interests. For example, it may be in your best interest
to volunteer your department to chair this year’s charity event.
After all, it would be such great PR for you and the rest of your
team. But everyone has been working every weekend to complete a
project on time. They’re already burned out.

Take a pass. Your team needs a break. There will always be other
volunteer opportunities.

2. Go to bat for your employees

It may feel uncomfortable to ask your boss to reconsider a
reorganization she’s been discussing with you, but perhaps you no
longer feel the plan is right now that you’ve had time to think
about it.

Be bold. Let your boss know you’ve had a change of heart. Tell
her why, and be prepared to offer alternative solutions.
Eventually, your employees will figure out you had the courage to
push back when others would have retreated — and they’ll stick
beside you in thick or thin.

3. Learn how to “manage up”

In my bestselling book, Suddenly in Charge, I
talk about how managing up isn’t about
brown-nosing. It’s about developing strong relationships with
those above you and throughout the organization so you can get
your people the resources they need.

In every organization, there are people who are somehow able to
get what they need while everyone else waits on the sidelines.
These are the people who have taken the time to build strong
relationships up and down the organization. You can bet
these types of leaders have no problem keeping top talent on
their teams. Take note, and if an opportunity presents
itself, ask for some tips.

4. Make yourself visible and accessible

Magnetic leaders are
visible both inside and outside the organization. Get involved in
an association related to your career. Whenever possible, step up
and volunteer to take a leadership position.

You’ll be seen as top in your field based on your affiliation.
Don’t be surprised if others come to you seeking advice or a
position on your team.

5. Treat people like you’d like to be treated

This one seems so obvious, yet when is the last time you
felt someone in management followed this creed?

In my new book, Talent Magnetism, I tell
the story of magnetic leader Chris Patterson, CEO ofInterchanges, who took it upon himself to
personally help an employee who was in crisis. Patterson made it
his personal mission to provide this employee with the best care
possible during a life-threatening illness. He did so with
compassion and conviction. This is a guy who is magnetic in every
way.

Magnetic leaders are highly valued by their organizations and are
compensated accordingly. It’s not just to reward them for their
work; companies know these people are constantly being approached
with offers from other firms.